Racism and Anti-Racism in the Caribbean

Abstract

Explores the transition of racist practices in the Caribbean from the overt racism of the earlier stages of settlement to the more indirect & subtle discrimination persistent today. It is argued that the diversity of cultures in the Caribbean is conducive to social differentiation based on race & color. From the genocide of the Amerindians to the enslavement of Africans to indentured servitude, the long history of Caribbean racism is discussed in the context of the still prevalent color-class system. The new racism is one based on custom, cliqueism, & nepotism. The racist/antiracist struggle is discussed through several contemporary Caribbean examples: Guyana, Trinidad, Surinam, Haiti, Belize, Martinique, Guadeloupe, & French Guyana, as well as the English-speaking Caribbean & Cuba. 35 References. M. Greenberg